Experienced Managers, Reliable Processes, Demonstrated Performance

Timberland Management

Timberland can provide investors with competitive returns and capital preservation in a sustainable real asset. Argent Timberland Group is an investment management firm which assists clients in achieving this goal.

ATG is dedicated to locating and acquiring timberland assets which meet investors’ needs, managing those assets cost-effectively, and providing outstanding client service. Our focus begins in the United States, with projects available in central Appalachia, the southeast, and the Pacific Northwest. Certain regions in South America may be viable for experienced investors seeking greater portfolio diversification.

The group is led by Ken Alderman, President, John McCollum, CFA, Executive Managing Director, and veteran timberland investment executives Michael Shearer and Jim Webb. Michael and Jim were formerly Director of Portfolio Management and Director of Business Development, respectively, at Regions Timberland Group. For a decade, Ken, now President of Argent Trust Company, managed that group, and John is also Senior Vice President – Investments for Argent Financial Group.

Argent Timberland is supported by the full staff of Argent Trust Company and its parent, Argent Financial Group, for accounting, auditing, fiduciary controls, compliance, and legal support. Argent Financial Group, Inc. was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. Responsible for more than $17 billion in client assets, Argent Financial Group provides individuals, families, institutions and businesses with a broad range of services including trust administration and related services, investment management, family office, retirement plan and charitable organization administration, mineral (oil and gas) management and financial, retirement and estate planning.

Philosophy

It has been our experience that plan sponsors may be challenged to find institutional grade properties that suit the specific needs of their clients. Our approach is to identify quality lands first and present these to our clients for consideration, a more efficient way to build a timberland portfolio. We certainly recognize the importance of this acquisition discipline in the success of an investment program. We also believe that active management, including planned and opportunistic dispositions, can greatly improve the financial performance of a timberland investment.

We are passionate about working with our clients to provide the best possible investment management and service. Our success results from our clients’ success.

Asset Management

Argent Timberland Group has enlisted Landmark Forestry, a leading property management consultant, to provide the full set of on-ground forestry services for timberland investments. This incorporates property acquisition sourcing and field level management, including inventories, timber sales, silviculture and ultimately disposition, as well as property accounting and reporting.

Landmark has provided field management for nearly 400,000 acres of institutional property, and has over 20 foresters and technicians on staff to serve ATG clients.

Efficient structure and staffing provide for cost effective pricing at levels well below those incurred by many other investment managers.

Process

ATG’s timberland investment management services include strategy development, property acquisition and management, valuation, financial reporting and ultimately liquidation. We understand the leverage points at each phase of the cycle, and actively apply them for our clients.

Performance

The leaders of Argent Timberland Group have acquired, managed, and liquidated timberland investments in the United States, South America, Africa, and Europe since 1987. The NCREIF Timberland Investment Index (above) has measured investment performance during much of that period.

Argent Timberland believes in actively monitoring market conditions and trends, and responding as needed to improve investment performance. For example, in certain circumstances it may be possible to liquidate a property early in its term and significantly improve the final IRR. Our experience in the industry gives us the ability to judge when each leverage point is important.